The wonders of West Sweden – in pictures

Traditional, colourful clapboard houses are commonplace in Klädesholmen on the Bohuslän archipelago. The island has a long tradition of fishing and is known as the herring capital of Sweden – don’t miss a taste of the local catch while you’re in town. Photograph: Peter Adams/Getty Images/AWL Images RM

It’s less than an hour away from Gothenburg but the picturesque island of Styrsö is a world away. Styrsö is a traffic-free island with only the sound of ferries and boats likely to disturb the peace. Switch off and enjoy its lovely beaches and peaceful walking trails. Photograph: Copyright Johan Klovsj /Getty Images/Flickr RF

Sailing fanatics from around the world flock to the island of Marstrand during one week every summer (usually at the start of July) for the Stena Match Cup Sweden international sailing competition. At other times of the year, the archipelago island’s quiet waters are the perfect haven for a solitary sail, kayak or swim. Photograph: Hans Georg Eiben/Getty Images/LOOK

Nothing says summer in Sweden like a feast of freshly caught crayfish by the water. Go one step further and embark on a crayfish safari to catch, cook and eat the sweet-fleshed crustacean with local fishermen as your guides. Safaris depart from Smögen, Fjällbacka and Grebbestad, among other places. Photograph: swedewah/Getty Images

Gothenburg’s harbour is the gateway to West Sweden’s many archipelagos, but this buzzy city is well worth lingering in to discover its excellent restaurant scene, fascinating museums and gorgeous green spaces. Photograph: nevereverro/Getty Images

Take the scenic route by boarding a historic steamship for a trip along the Göta canal, which runs right across Sweden, from Gothenburg to Stockholm on the east coast. Or take to the towpath to cycle or walk a stretch of the remarkable waterway. Photograph: Frank Chmura/Alamy

The Bohuslän coast is every kayaker’s dream with its calm, sheltered waters, rocky isles and abundant seal-spotting opportunities – not to mention the many fine seafood restaurants to moor up at. Not keen on sea kayaking? Try canoeing on the lakes and rivers in Dalsland or kayaking on Gothenburg’s canals instead. Photograph: Henrik Trygg

Many of West Sweden’s scenic islands are traffic free, making them ideal for exploring by bike. Pack your swimsuit, as you’ll pass pristine beaches that will be hard to resist flopping on. Photograph: Goran Assner/View

The fishing village of Smögen on the Bohuslän coast is a deservedly popular holiday spot in the summer with Scandinavians. Soak up the convivial atmosphere on the jetty, join a fishing trip and visit the fish market to try tasty seafood specialities. Photograph: Jonas Ingman

Seal sightings are pretty much guaranteed in the Koster islands. Just 10km (6 miles) off the Swedish coast, near the Norwegian border, these tiny islands lay claim to Sweden’s first marine national park, Kosterhavet. The protected 450 sq km (175 sq mile) zone is home to a rich marine life. Photograph: Mikael Almse